Capitals of Russia: Moscow and St Petersburg

Explore two Imperial Capitals of Russia: Moscow & St. Petersburg. Delve into the opulent aristocratic past at the Kremlin, learn about the communism and the Red Square, see the Hermitage Museum and more.

Activity Level

Tailor Made

Dive onto Russian traditions and culture. During this fabulous escorted tour, learn about the country’s culture and history. Visit the spectacular palaces and museums that provide a window into Russia’s rich past. Enjoy sightseeing in both cities, including inside visits to the most famous places. Taste local specialties like beef stroganoff, caviar, blini, borscht, pickled vegetables, vodka and more. You’ll travel between St. Petersburg and Moscow via the high-speed Sapsan train. It’s an extraordinary & fantastic experience!

Upon arrival to Moscow, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is to relax or perhaps begin your independent discovery of the fabled capital of Russia. Tonight, a briefing by your Tour Director on the fascinating tour that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight:Moscow (D).

Day

2

Moscow

Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. Your sightseeing tour begins at the Red Square, dominated by colorful St. Basil's Cathedral and by the massive red walls of the Kremlin. Visit the Armory Museum. Stroll through GUM, Russia’s largest department store. Continue with a drive along the wide boulevards. Pass by Novodevichy convent. Walk by Moscow University. End the tour at the popular Arbat shopping district. Time to shop or enjoy lunch on your own. The rest of the day is yours to explore!

Overnight:Moscow (B).

Day

3

Moscow

Today we travel 75 km North of Moscow, to the small town of Sergiev Posad, former Zagorsk – founded in the 14th century and renowned as a center of ancient Russian art and architecture. For centuries it served as a place of pilgrimage and the religious capital of Russia. Within the old walled city admire the fairy-tale golden and blue domes of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra, one of the most beautiful of all monasteries. After lunch at a popular restaurant, return to Moscow and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. This evening take an optional tour of Moscow by night & Subway, to see the metro stations which Stalin called “Palaces for the People.”

Overnight:Moscow (B, L).

Day

4

St. Petersburg

After a lovely breakfast, enjoy time at leisure in Moscow before heading to the railway station for our four hours high speed Sapsan train ride to St. Petersburg. Upon arrival at the St. Petersburg train station, you'll be taken to your beautiful hotel. You'll be able to relax before a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:St. Petersburg (B, D).

Day

5

St. Petersburg

Spread over 100 islands and linked by over 600 bridges, St. Petersburg is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” You will have a chance to see the Palace Square with the Winter Palace, the Senate Square with the monument to Russian Emperor Peter the Great, St. Isaac’s Square with St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Smolny Cathedral, Cruiser Aurora, Field of Mars, and Nevsky Prospect. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, built in 1703 on a small island. It was meant to protect the city from enemy attacks. Peter and Paul Cathedral towers in the center of the fortress and is nowadays used as the burial place for Russian Emperors. Your evening is free or join an optional Evening Canal Cruise.

Overnight:St. Petersburg (B).

Day

6

St. Petersburg

This morning, visit the world-famous Hermitage, housing more than four million works of art. It ranks among one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Admire the world-famous masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Titian, Rembrandt, El Greco, Velasquez, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, and French Impressionists. The Hermitage occupies five buildings, the largest is the Winter Palace, the former residence of Russian Emperors. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or take an optional tour to visit Catherine Palace in Pushkin or to Petrodvorets, Peterhof Summer Palace of Peter the Great. Tonight, you'll have a farewell dinner. Conclude your touring with an optional Russian Folklore evening.

Overnight:St. Petersburg (B, D).

Day

7

Departure

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight.

Day 1 - Friday

Arrival in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague

Welcome to Prague, Czech Republic! After clearing customs you will be met by our local representative at the first exit outside the customs area. Any claims for lost/stolen baggage should be made to the airline representative at the airport. Our representative will show you to your transportation. You will be transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to begin exploring on your own. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and a folklore performance. (D)

Day 2 - Saturday

Prague

Prague has a long and colorful history, from its early days as a bishopric, to becoming the residence of the Bohemian kings, and later the capital of both Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. The city today is a wonder to behold, with beautiful architecture, lush green hills, and graceful bridges spanning the Vltava River. Sightseeing in the “Golden City” reveals why Prague is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Today, visit the old part of the city to view the Old Town Square, the famous Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, St. Nicholas Church, Charles Bridge and more. The afternoon is free to relax, shop or explore on your own. Tonight, enjoy an opera performance. (B)

Day 3 - Sunday

Prague

St. Vitus Cathedral

Cross the Vltava River to visit Royal Castle of Hradcany. With a history dating back to the 9th century, having survived fires and wars, and after many additions and reconstructions, this is considered to be the largest inhabited fortress in the world. Within the castle grounds stands gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. It took almost six centuries to build this magnificent edifice, the largest church in Prague and its spiritual heart. The cathedral holds the tombs of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus, and St. Adalbert, the country’s patron saints, as well as Czech kings, princes and noblemen. After sightseeing here, your afternoon and evening are at leisure to shop or relax. (B)

Day 4 - Monday

Prague – Vienna, Austria

Vienna

Travel by motorcoach or first class train to Vienna, the romantic “City of Music.” The balance of the day is free. Dinner tonight is in a typical Heurigen restaurant – a “pub” where local wine-growers sell their wares. (B, D)

Day 5 - Tuesday

Vienna

Vienna Imperial Palace

See the city on a sightseeing tour featuring Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater amusement park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and more. After a free afternoon, enjoy an evening concert of Strauss and Mozart’s music. (B)

Day 6 - Wednesday

Vienna

Kunsthistorische Museum

Take a guided visit to the Kunsthistorische Museum this morning. This museum houses one of the world’s greatest collections of the old masters. The balance of the day is free to explore delightful Vienna on your own. (B)

Day 7 - Thursday

Vienna – Budapest, Hungary

Budapest

Journey eastward by motorcoach or first class train to Budapest, often called “the Paris of the East.” This afternoon is free for independent activities or optional excursions. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your time. (B)

Day 8 - Friday

Budapest

Heroes Square

In 1873, the twin cities of Buda and Pest joined with ancient Óbuda to form a new, unified city, Budapest. Charming and beautiful, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Morning sightseeing includes views of the decorative Parliament building, seat of the National Assembly; Váci Utca, a pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants; Hero’s Square with the millennial monument, 118 foot high Corinthian column dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church, and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 9 - Saturday

Budapest

Castle Hill

Sightseeing this morning focuses on the Castle Hill area, the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Royal Palace; Gellért Hill with the imposing Citadel at its peak. Your afternoon is free for last minute shopping and exploration. Enjoy dinner in a typical “Csarda” restaurant – Hungarian for a village pub or tavern – with entertainment. (B, D)

Day 10 - Sunday

Depart Budapest

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Note: All itineraries are subject to change * No minimum of passengers is required for regular tour service. All tours are subject to availability and should be confirmed within 72 business hours.

Where you will rest you head...

Marriott Grand, Moscow

About the hotel: he Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel greets business and leisure travelers with excellent amenities and a perfect location in the heart of Russia's capital city.

Courtyard by Marriott Center West Pushkin

Standard Room

4 STARS

About the hotel: Situated in an attractive historic neighborhood not far from the Mariinsky Theatre, this hotel provides a home away from home. Rest assured that this award-winning property will exceed your every expectation.